Attractions in Vesterålen

The Whale Centre in Andenes

Established in 1988, the Whale Centre is situated in an old fish processing warehouse at the harbour front. The Whale Centre offers a combination of tourism, education and research. A multi media show on whales and their environment is shown several times a day.

The fishing village of Nyksund

The fishing village of Nyksund is a fascinating experience overlooking the open sea. From being hard hit by stagnation, depopulation and decay, this old fishing hamlet is continuously making a name for itself as a dynamic centre of art and cuisine. Here, you can stay in original quayside buildings and feel the atmosphere of former glory.

Inga Sámi Siida

In scenic surroundings, between the sea and the steep mountains in Kvalsaukan, five kilometres from Sortland, a genuine Sami experience is offered you. Visit the indigenous people of Norway, participate in their work with the reindeers and experience a close encounter with a unique animal.

The outer side of the island of Andøya

This part of Vesterålen has been selected as Vesterålen's contribution to Norway's National Tourist Routes project, mainly because of its varied natural surroundings.

Tall mountains, long sandy beaches and a spectacular panorama of the open ocean. Take a boat trip to the island of Bleiksøya, the nesting ground for more than 150,000 puffins or visit the beautiful beach Bleikstranda, one of the longest beaches in Norway (2.5 kilometres).

Hurtigrutemuseet (The Coastal Express Museum) in Stokmarknes

The ship M/S «Finnmarken» from 1956 is an integral part of the Coastal Express Museum and an authentic vestige of Norwegian coastal steamer traditions.

Møysalen National Park

This is one of Norway's smallest national preserves, with only 51.2 square kilometres. It is located on Hinnøya, Norway's largest island.

Towering in the centre of Møysalen National Park is Møysalen, the mountain that was selected by the Norwegian outdoor magazine Ute as "Norway's most beautiful natural attraction". There are guided treks to the peak, which is 1,262 metres above sea level, making it the tallest mountain on the island of Hinnøya.

The trek up to the peak of Møysalen from the Lonkanfjord is a wild experience that takes you through a fantastic coastal alpine landscape. The reward is a panoramic view from the top. On a clear day one can see more than 20 different mountain peaks in 20 different municipalities, and if you are lucky, you can even see Kebnekaise Mountain in Sweden.

The guided treks to Møysalen take 8 to 9 hours, including the shuttle boat trip that lasts 30 minutes. The trip begins at Hennes, located innermost in the Hadselfjord basin. The trip is suitable for hikers in normally good physical condition. If you choose to go on your own the walk should take around 4 hours and 30 minutes one way.

Lihallen Kulturgård (art gallery and studio)

Located high and open above the village of Sigerfjord, 12 kilometres from the centre of Sortland, with a view of the mountains and fjord. Lihallen, the former Sortland Tuberculosis Home is now privately owned, finely restored and owned by artist Tove Hov Jacobsen and her husband. Both the gallery and the studio are open during the summer season.

Home-made cakes and coffee can be enjoyed on the large terrace, in the Gazebo at the summit, or in the elegant parlours. In addition, there are concerts, literature events and other arrangements.

Dronningruta (the Queen’s Route)

Dronningruta is a marked hiking trail about 15 kilometres long betweenStø and Nyksund. This is the route that the Norwegian Queen Sonja enjoyed so much in 1994, and which was thereafter called the Queen’s Route. The trail can be completed as a round trip starting and ending at either of the two poles (Stø or Nyksund).

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